Entertainment Highlights: Iconic Farewells, Exciting Adaptations, and Industry Shifts

The latest entertainment news includes the death of actress Gena Rowlands, the launch of a new TV series based on the 'Yakuza' video game, and issues faced by Katy Perry during a video shoot. Also featured are developments in the Hollywood union's deal with AI, China's gig economy film 'Upstream,' and Paramount Global's major workforce cuts.

Following is a summary of current entertainment news briefs.

Gena Rowlands, actress who played strong, troubled women, dead at 94

Gena Rowlands, the acclaimed American actress, three-time Emmy winner and dual Oscar nominee for her vivid portrayals of strong, troubled women in the crime drama "Gloria" and "A Woman Under the Influence," has died at the age of 94, Entertainment Weekly reported on Wednesday, citing her son, Nick Cassavetes. Rowlands starred in dozens of films during a career that began on stage and television in the 1950s and included award-winning roles in movies directed by her first husband, actor, writer and director John Cassavetes.

TV series based on 'Yakuza' video game keeps Japanese culture at center

Japanese actor Ryoma Takeuchi believes that video game fans will find a special connection to the new television series “Like a Dragon: Yakuza.” The series, based on the popular video game “Yakuza: Like a Dragon,” begins streaming on Amazon Prime Video on Oct. 24. It was unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con last month.

‘Jackpot’ movie inspired by martial arts icon Jackie Chan

For director Paul Feig, the comedy film “Jackpot” is what he calls “the Lost Jackie Chan movie,” referring to the work of the famous Hong Kong actor and martial artist. “His (Jackie Chan’s) characters are always classically somebody who didn't want to be in the situation, in over their head, trying to get out of it, not being aggressive, just trying to fight their way out of something," said Feig.

'Alien: Romulus' reignites violence in the 'Alien' franchise

“Pacific Rim Uprising” actor Cailee Spaeny had to admit that things became bleak while filming the Disney movie “Alien: Romulus,” the latest installment in the popular “Alien” franchise, because characters were killed off regularly. “Oh, it was always really sad when someone died, you know. Because we shot it chronologically. I think we were all getting really attached to each other,” Spaeny said.

Katy Perry in hot water over Ibiza beach video shoot

Frolicking on a Spanish beach in her new music video "Lifetimes" may put U.S. pop star Katy Perry, of "The One That Got Away" fame, in hot water after authorities launched an inquest into the allegedly unauthorised Ibiza shoot. The Balearic Islands Department of Agriculture, Fishery and Natural Environment said on Tuesday that the production company responsible for recording the video in Ibiza, famed for its beaches and raucous nightlife, had not requested authorisation.

Hollywood union strikes deal for advertisers to replicate actors' voices with AI

The Hollywood actors' union SAG-AFTRA announced on Wednesday a deal with online talent marketplace Narrativ that enables actors to sell advertisers rights to replicate their voices with artificial intelligence. As performers fear AI will make theft of their likenesses common, the new agreement seeks to ensure actors derive income from the technology and have control over how and when their voice replicas are used.

China's latest blockbuster casts rare, harsh light on gig economy

One of the biggest movies to hit China's cinemas this summer tackles several of its biggest economic pain points: an uncertain job market, downward mobility and the hardscrabble life of millions working gig jobs. "Upstream" tells the story of a middle-aged programmer who is laid off, shut out of white-collar jobs because of his age and pushed into the perilous food-delivery gig economy to try to keep his family afloat.

Paramount Global to lay off 15% of U.S. workforce and close TV studio

Paramount Global will begin laying off 15% of its workforce in the United States starting Tuesday and close down its Paramount Television studio as part of a planned restructuring, the media giant said in internal communication. Paramount, which owns networks like CBS, MTV and Comedy Central, aims to reduce annual costs by $500 million and return to profitable growth ahead of its merger with David Ellison's Skydance Media.

Taylor Swift set for emotional London return after terror threat

Taylor Swift will take to the stage in London on Thursday, resuming the world's biggest ever concert tour amid tightened security after a foiled Islamic State-inspired attack forced the cancellation of her Vienna dates last week. British police have said there is nothing to indicate that events in Vienna would impact the five appearances at Wembley Stadium, where 90,000 "Swifties" are expected to cheer her on each evening. However, security is set to be tight.